Firebirds just shy

Murphy’s overthrown pass ends FSHS hopes

Free State High quarterback Ryan Murphy never received his final chance.

He knew the pass was important. But he never knew after overthrowing receiver Ben Bell on fourth-and-one with 48 seconds remaining that it would be his last shot in the Firebirds' 33-28 loss to Lawrence High on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

"On that (pass), I thought it was third down," Murphy said. "I'm trying to set up the offense. Then, I see personnel going off the field, and I'm just thinking, 'What's going on?'"

No one could blame Murphy for getting caught up in the game's emotions - the Firebirds trailed, 33-13, with only five minutes to go before starting a frantic rally.

After scoring twice, thanks partly to a recovered onside kick, Free State had the momentum and the ball with 1:35 remaining. The Firebirds were 52 yards from one of the greatest comebacks in school history.

In addition, Murphy stepped onto the field with confidence after throwing for 217 previous yards - including 149 to Nick Ayre.

He had many areas to be pleased about. Free State scored 28 points against the best defense in the Sunflower League and never gave up in the fourth quarter when the game seemed all but lost.

"It could have been easy for us to just quit and fold, but we didn't," Murphy said. "We kept fighting hard."

Lisher also saw one of his messages get through, watching his team play with heart late in the game.

"We learned how to come back when we were down, and we haven't done that very well this year," Lisher said. "We made plays there at the end when we had to make plays, and that's the sign of a team that's growing up."